Disposable fluid separation device and manifold assembly design with easy change-out feature

ABSTRACT

Fluid separation assembly that allows easy and fast change-out even in confined spaces, and also minimizes or eliminates leakage during change-out. A fluid separation unit having a housing containing separation means, the housing having an inlet and an outlet spaced from the inlet, each including a fitting for attachment of the housing to a manifold or other device allowing fluid communication through the separation means to a point of use is provided. The fittings are designed for quick connect/disconnect, and for minimal or no leakage. The fittings may be on opposite ends, with top and bottom fittings of different configurations, thereby ensuring proper installation of the assembly. The particular medium to be separated is not particularly limited, and can include slurries, fluids including water, and pre-loaded chromatography columns.

This application is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/647,609 filed on Aug. 25, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,056,436, which isa Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/796,038 filed onFeb. 28, 2001 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,652,749 issued Nov. 25, 2003), whichclaims priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/185,991 filed onMar. 1, 2000, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fluid separation units with fittings may be installed in small spacesthat make it very difficult to change out the filter unit. For example,it can be difficult to turn a fitting during installation and removal ina confined space. Even a quick disconnect fitting can be awkward anddifficult to manipulate in the spaces typical in industrial filtrationapplications. Conventional fittings require that there be sufficientspace to allow the operator's hands to manipulate the fitting. Inaddition, there is generally excess tubing, which allows the fittings orquick disconnects to be removed. There also may be additional tubingpresent to allow the filter unit to be removed from its installedposition to a location with room enough that the fittings/quickdisconnects can be removed easily. However, moving tubing around is veryundesirable because tubing can be easily damaged, and contaminationadhering to the inside surface of tubing walls may be dislodged into thefluid. Conventional disposable filters are also time consuming to changedue to cumbersome fittings. Also, filters often require extra spaceabove and/or below to allow vertical movement for removal, and space isa premium.

Another problem associated with conventional disposable fluid separationdevices is leakage during change-out. Since the chemicals used in aparticular process may be hazardous, any leakage is undesirable, bothfrom an environmental standpoint and in terms of operator safety.Similarly, tubing associated with the device can leak or drip duringchange-out, also potentially resulting in a hazardous condition.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide aremovable fluid separation assembly that can be installed in a confinedspace and readily connected and disconnected.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a removableseparation assembly that includes fittings that allow installation withone easy motion and do not require that each fitting be individuallyconnected.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide aseparation assembly that includes dripless connections, preventingleakage during change-out.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide aseparation assembly that minimizes or eliminates air entrapment duringchange-out.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide aseparation assembly with oriented connection, preventing incorrectinstallation of the assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The problems of the prior art have been overcome by the presentinvention, which provides a fluid separation assembly that allows easyand fast change-out even in confined spaces, and also minimizes oreliminates leakage during change-out. According to a preferredembodiment of the present invention, a fluid separation unit having ahousing containing separation means, the housing having a first end anda second end spaced from the first end, each of said first and secondends including a fitting for attachment of the housing to a manifold orother device allowing fluid communication through the separation meansto a point of use is provided. The fittings are designed for quickconnect/disconnect, and for minimal or no leakage. The top and bottomfittings may be of different configurations, thereby ensuring properinstallation of the assembly. The particular medium to be separated isnot particularly limited, and can include slurries, fluids includingwater, and pre-loaded chromatography columns.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional representation of a separation unit inaccordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a valve for a separation unit inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 a is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the valve of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the valve of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional representation of a valve for a separationunit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 a is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the valve of FIG. 4;

FIG. 4 b is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the valve ofFIG. 4;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional representation of a separation unit inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 a is a cross-sectional view of the upper fitting of the valve ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 5 b is a cross-sectional view of the lower fitting of the valve ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional representation of a separation unit inaccordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of a separation unit in accordancewith still another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 a is a front view of the separation unit of FIG. 7;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of a separation unit in accordancewith another embodiment of the present invention, shown being installedin the manifold;

FIG. 8 a is a cross-sectional side view of the separation unit of FIG. 8shown in the installed position;

FIG. 8 b is a cross-sectional top view of the unit of FIG. 8 shown inthe installed position;

FIGS. 8 c, 8 d and 8 e are cross-sectional views of further embodimentsof the fitting in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 f is a cross-sectional view of a prior art fitting;

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of a separation system inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of a separation unit beinginstalled in a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 a is a side view of the unit of FIG. 10 in an installedposition;

FIGS. 10 b and 10 c are enlarged view of the latch mechanism of FIG. 10;

FIG. 10 d is a cross-sectional view of a separation unit being installedin a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 e is a side view of the unit of FIG. 10 d in an installedposition;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of a separation unit beinginstalled in a still further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 a is a cross-sectional side view of the separation unit of FIG.11 in an installed position;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of an installed separation unitin accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of yet another embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 9 shows a schematic of a typical fluid separation system in whichthe present invention may be applied. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that the separation systems of the present invention includefilters, purifiers, concentrators and contactors (e.g., degassers andozonators). For purposes of illustration, the separtions systems will beexemplified by filters, although the present invention is not limitedthereto. A filter 12 is shown having an inlet end 90 and an outlet end100 (these could be reversed), each for respective connection to lowerand upper manifolds 16, 14. A nitrogen/clean dry air line is used topurge the filter 12. A deionized water (DI) line is used to flush thefilter 12. Suitable preferably air-actuated valves V1-V6 areappropriately positioned as shown. For filter change-out, the manualshut-off valve 150 on the inlet line is closed, and the filter 12 ispurged with nitrogen or clean dry air. The filter 12 is then flushedwith DI water, purged again with nitrogen or clean dry air, and thefilter 12 is removed from the manifolds and replaced. For start-up,after the new filter is installed, it is flushed with DI water, purged,and the manual shut-off valve 150 is opened. The filter 12 is primedwith the fluid of choice and ready for use. It will be understood bythose skilled in the art that the foregoing procedure is illustrativeonly; other start-up and change-out procedures could be used with thefilter assembly of the present invention.

Turning now to FIG. 1, there is shown a manifold 10 housing one or moreseparation units, which in the embodiment shown, are filter units 12(two shown). Each filter unit 12 is adapted to be connected to a topmanifold 14 and a bottom manifold 16. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that although manifolds are illustrated, other means forattaching each filter unit to the system and providing fluidcommunication into and out of the filter units can be used. Forconvenience, however, the ensuing description will refer to manifolds.Preferably the manifolds are independent, which will allow for separatechanging of each filter unit 12. One or more of the manifolds mayinclude pressure transducers (not shown) or other sensors for monitoringthe conditions of the process. The filter units 12 may include one ormore guide blocks 18 to facilitate mounting of the units in a module.

The filter units 12 may be completely disposable, or may comprise areusable housing having a disposable inner cartridge. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 1, the first (top) end of each filter unit 12 has a malefitting or coupling 20, preferably centrally located (with respect tothe housing of said filter 12) and preferably cylindrical, forattachment to upper manifold 14. Similarly, the second (bottom) end ofeach filter unit 12, which is spaced from and preferably opposing thefirst end, has a fitting or coupling 21, also preferably centrallylocated, for attachment to receiver 22 on lower manifold 16. At leastone of the manifolds 14, 16 is movable between a first disengagedposition, shown as the left-hand manifold 14 in FIG. 1, to a secondengaged position, shown as the right-hand manifold 14 in FIG. 1. In thefirst disengaged position, receiver 19 on manifold 14 is disengaged fromthe coupling 20 of the filter 12. The first disengaged position ofmanifold 14 is high enough (i.e., sufficiently spaced from the lowermanifold 16) in the module such that the filter 12 can be lifted off(vertically, in the direction toward upper manifold 14) of lowermanifold 16 and removed. In the second engaged position, coupling 20 isreceived by receiver 19, engaging the filter unit 12 in place in themodule. Although both the upper manifold 14 and lower manifold 16 couldbe movable, preferably one is movable and the other is stationary inthis embodiment.

In a preferred embodiment of the assembly illustrated in FIG. 1, eachupper manifold 14 contains a valve 25 that is actuated by engagement ofthe filter unit 12 with the manifold 14, and more specifically, byengagement of the coupling 20 with the manifold 14. Upon attachment ofthe filter unit 12 to the manifold 14, the valve 25 is forced open bycontact with an actuating member 7 in the coupling 20, allowing fluidcommunication between the filter unit 12 and the manifold 14. In theembodiment shown, the opening of the valve 25 is caused by contactbetween the actuating member 7 in coupling 20 and the valve stem 30,which forces the valve in the vertical direction (as depicted in FIG.1), unseating the valve and allowing fluid to flow past it. When thefilter unit 12 is removed from the manifold 14, valve spring 13 biasesthe valve 25 back to its seated, closed position, preventing leakagefrom the manifold 14.

Also in a preferred embodiment of the assembly illustrated in FIG. 1,each filter unit 12 includes a valve 26 that is actuated upon engagementof the filter unit 12 with the manifold 16. Upon attachment of thefilter unit 12 to the manifold 16, the valve 26 is opened by contactingactuating member 29, allowing fluid communication between the manifold16 and the filter unit 12. When the filter unit 12 is removed from themanifold 16, valve spring 11 biases the valve 26 to its seated, closedposition, preventing leakage from the filter unit 12.

One such suitable valve 26 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 2. Lowermanifold 16 includes a fluid passageway 23 providing fluid communicationto (or from) filter unit 12. The manifold 16 has a preferablycylindrical projection 22 which receives a corresponding receiving end21 of filter unit 12 whose inside diameter is greater than the outsidediameter of projection 22. The projection 22 (and/or the receiving end21) has means for creating a sealed fit with the filter unit 12, such asan O-ring. 28. A stationary valve actuator 29 is positioned in manifold16 such that attachment of the filter unit 12 to the manifold 16 causesthe valve stem 30 of T-shaped (in cross-section) valve 26 to engage theactuator 29, forcing the valve in the vertical direction as depicted bythe arrow in FIG. 2, allowing fluid to flow about the valve 26 and intothe filter unit 12. A spring or the like (not shown) preferably seats onthe upper surface 44 of the valve 26, biasing the valve 26 towards itsclosed position where it seats against the base 32 of the housing orfilter 12. In a bottom opening, one can rely upon gravity, however it ispreferred to use some other device to assist in the closure. When thefilter unit 12 is disengaged from the manifold 16, the valve 26 sealsagainst the housing of the filter unit 12 at 32 as shown in FIG. 3,preventing fluid flow between the manifold 16 and the filter unit 12,and preventing leakage out of the filter unit 12. Those skilled in theart will appreciate that the configuration of the attachment between themanifold 16 and the filter unit 12 is not critical; for example, thefittings could be reversed, with the manifolds being inserted internallyinto the projections on the filter unit 12. Similarly, since the filterunit 12 is connected to a manifold at an inlet and an outlet, the inletcan have a different connection from the outlet.

FIG. 2 a shows greater detail of the design of the valve 26 located inreceiving end 21 of filter unit 12, which is received by a correspondingrecess 49 in manifold 16. Spring 11 is illustrated biasing the valve 26towards its sealed position against shoulder 48 of the receiving end 21.O-ring 28 seals the end 21 in the recess 49 of the manifold 16. Actuator29 is positioned to engage the valve stem as in the embodiment of FIG.2, to move the valve in the direction of the arrow and unseat it fromshoulder 48, allowing fluid to flow about the valve.

FIG. 4 illustrates a second embodiment of the filter unit valve forcreating a dripless, rapid disconnect filter assembly. The valve in thisembodiment is a ball valve, wherein a spherical member 34 having adensity greater than the density of the fluid is housed in a cavity 35formed in filter unit 12. The cavity is defined in part by at least twospaced opposing arms 46, 47 which converge at their free ends as shown,so that the space between their free ends is smaller than the diameterof the spherical member 34, thereby containing the spherical member 34and preventing the spherical member 34 from escaping from the cavity 35.Preferably there are two pair of spaced opposing arms. Morespecifically, the free end of each arm preferably terminates in facingends 46 a, 47 a such that the distance between the ends on opposing armsis smaller than the diameter of spherical member 34, thereby providing astop and limiting the vertical movement of spherical member 34 in cavity35. A fluid passageway 36 is provided below spherical member 34,providing fluid communication to fluid path 22 of manifold 16. As thefluid flows from manifold 16 into passageway 36, it exerts a pressure onspherical member 34, causing spherical member 34 to travel in thedirection of arrow 37 in the cavity 35 and assume the open positionshown with phantom lines in FIG. 4, and shown in greater detail in FIG.4 a. Due to the geometry of the cavity 35, with the spherical member inthe open, phantom-line position, fluid is allowed to flow around thespherical member 34 and enter the filter unit 12 (FIG. 4 a). However,when the fluid flow from the manifold 16 stops, the spherical member 34returns to the closed position, disrupting the fluid communicationbetween passageway 36 and cavity 35 and preventing fluid from escapinginto fluid passageway 36 and leaking out of the filter unit 12. Thefilter unit 12 can now be removed from the manifold without leakage.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that although a sphericalmember 34 is preferred, other shapes may be suitable provided the memberseals in its closed position and can be moved to its open position bythe pressure exerted by the fluid flowing from the manifold. The filterunit 12, which is preferably constructed of a disposable material, sealsonto manifold 16 by any suitable means. FIG. 4 shows a recess or socket60 formed in filter unit 12, shaped to receive male end 62 of manifold16. Annular O-ring 28 in the end 62 ensures a seal. FIG. 4 b shows analternative embodiment where the male end coupling 63 is on the filterunit 12 and is received by socket 64 in the manifold 16. Annular O-ring28 is shown placed in the coupling 63 is this embodiment. Those skilledin the art will appreciate that in any embodiment, more than one O-ringmay be used, or some other sealing device may be used instead ortogether with the O-ring(s).

Since the proper orientation of the filter 12 may be critical, FIG. 5illustrates an embodiment of the filter 12 and manifold that preventsimproper installation of the filter 12. Thus, upper manifold 114 has amale extension 110 having a fluid pathway 223. The male extension 110 issealingly received by corresponding recess 235 in the outlet of filterunit 12. Lower manifold 116 has a different configuration than uppermanifold 114. For example, FIG. 5 a shows lower manifold 116 having arecess 225 to sealingly receive a corresponding male extension 230 ofthe inlet of filter unit 12. Since the configurations of the inlet andoutlet of filter unit 12 are different, the filter unit 12 can beinstalled only one way in the manifolds 114, 116. Also shown are spacedlegs 205 on filter unit 12, which allow the filter unit 12 to stand onits own. Preferably the legs 205 extend below the male extension 230, sothat when the filter unit 12 is standing on a substrate 201, the inletfitting male extension 230 is not exposed to (and contaminated by) thatsubstrate. Suitable valving (not shown) is used in the inlet and outletto control fluid flow, such as that shown in FIGS. 2 and 2 a.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the manifold/filter assembly wheremultiple connections therebetween are made. Male extensions 110, 110 aand 110 b of upper manifold 114 are sealingly received by correspondingrecesses 235, 235 a and 235 b in the filter unit 12. A single connectionbetween filter unit 12 and lower manifold 116 is shown, thereby againensuring orientation of the filter unit 12. Although three upperconnections and one lower connection are shown, the skilled in the artwill appreciate that more or less connections could be used at eitherend, provided the proper orientation is provided. In addition, one orboth of the upper and lower manifolds could be made to move vertically,facilitating installation and removal of the filter unit 12. Suitablevalving is used in each connection to control fluid flow.

FIGS. 7 and 7 a illustrate a further embodiment of the presentinvention. Communication and connection of filter unit 12 to tipper andlower manifolds 114, 116 are made with elbow couplings 250, 250′. Eachelbow fits into a correspondingly shaped socket 251, 251′ in therespective manifold. An alignment rib 255 can be provided on the filterunit 12 as shown, which slides into a correspondingly shaped alignmentslot 256 formed in the upper manifold 114. A similar rib/slotarrangement can be used for the lower manifold 116 as well. This ensuresproper alignment of the filter unit 12 as it is slidingly received bythe manifolds. Indicating means 280 such as a microswitch can be used toturn off the system (and stop fluid flow) when the filter 12 is removed.A latch mechanism (not shown) or other locking means is used to lock thefilter unit 12 to the manifolds when in use, preventing prematuredisengagement.

FIGS. 8, 8 a and 8 b illustrate an embodiment similar to that shown inFIG. 7, except that only upper coupling or fitting 250 is shaped as anelbow; lower coupling or fitting 250″ is a ball design, preferably madeof a rigid polyolefin, such as polypropylene, or stainless steel orother metal, depending upon the application. To install the filter unit12 into the system, the lower fitting 251″ is first inserted into lowermanifold 116 as shown in FIG. 8. This is accomplished by tilting thefilter unit 12 relative to the manifold, as shown. Once the ball fitting251″ is inserted into the corresponding recess 251 in the lower manifold116, the upper elbow fitting 250 is then inserted into socket 252 inupper manifold 114 as shown in FIG. 8 a. The elbow fitting 250 can bechamfered such as at 300 to facilitate its entry into socket 251. One ormore guides 260 can be used to properly align and orient the filter unit12. The configuration of the ball design 250″ and corresponding socket251 allows the ball 250″ to swivel in the socket 251, thereby providingsome “play” as the filter unit 12 is moved from the tilted position ofFIG. 8 to the engaged position of FIG. 8 a. This facilitatesinstallation and removal of the filter device 12 at an angle, withoutrequiring that either manifold 114 or 116 move. The depth of the socket251 is preferably sufficient to allow movement in the axial (downward)direction to enable the upper fitting to be properly aligned with theupper manifold 114. In addition, since the filter device 12 has atendency to move in the axial direction (i.e., the direction of flow)when under pressure, the depth of the socket 251 can accommodate thismovement as well. Regardless of the particular location of the ball 250″in the socket 251 however, the annular O-ring 28 creates a suitableseal. The diameter of the ball 250″ and the length of the socket 251determines the degree to which the filter unit 12 can be tilted withrespect to the axis of fluid flow for installation and removal.Preferably, the filter unit 12 can be tilted at least about 20 degreesaway from vertical.

More specifically, with reference to FIG. 10, for filter units having alength (from fitting to fitting, as shown in FIG. 10) in the range of4-8 inches, the tilt angle range necessary for installation and removalwith stationary manifolds is an angle θ of from about 8° to about 15° orgreater. For filter units having a length in the range of about 8-18inches, the tilt angle range is from about 5° to about 13° or greater.For filter units having a length of about 18-40 inches, the tilt anglerange is an angle of from about 2° to about 5° or greater.

FIGS. 8 c, 8 d and 8 e show alternative configurations for the fitting251. An important factor among the various embodiments is a decrease indiameter of the fitting from a maximum diameter where the fittingengages and seals against the walls of the socket 252, towards thefilter housing 12. Also, preferably the fitting is connected to thehousing 12 with a neck 255 having a diameter smaller than the maximumdiameter of the fitting 251, so that the unit is easily tiltable withrespect to the axis of fluid flow and can be readily inserted into (orremoved from) the socket 252. These parameters provide the necessaryrelief to allow the unit to pivot in the socket 252 so it can beconnected or disconnected from stationary manifolds. In FIG. 8 c, thefitting 251 a includes an elongated neck portion 255 extending fromfilter unit 12, terminating in a semispherical portion having an O-ringabout its portion of maximum diameter to seal in the socket 252. Theneck 255, being of smaller diameter than the fitting 251 a, allows thepivoting action shown. The entry edges of socket 252 can be chamfered(not shown) to facilitate entry of the fitting 251 therein. FIG. 8 dillustrates a further embodiment of the fitting 251 where a polygonalshape is used. Again, the maximum diameter of the fitting 251 b is wherethe fitting engages and seals against the walls of the socket 252. FIG.8 e is a further embodiment, where fitting 251 c has a substantiallyrectangular shape. Chamfered edges 253 can facilitate entry of thefitting 251 c into the socket 252. FIG. 8 f shows a prior artconfiguration where there is no reduction in diameter of the length ofthe fitting. As a result, the housing 12 cannot be tilted to asufficient angle for installation into a stationary manifold.

FIGS. 10, 10 a, 10 d and 10 e illustrate further embodiments of thepresent invention, wherein the upper coupling uses a simple planar faceseal and fits into a corresponding slot in the upper manifold 214. Theupper coupling 350 is T-shaped in cross-section, with a centralpassageway 351 allowing for fluid communication between the filter andthe manifold 214. An O-ring 28 placed in a groove on the top surface ofthe coupling 350 can seal in the manifold slot 360. Alternatively, theO-ring 28 can be located in a groove in the slot 360 itself. In theembodiment of FIG. 10 and 10 a, lower coupling is a swivel similar tothat shown in FIG. 8, however the ball 450 is shown as part of the lowermanifold 216. The ball 450 is received in recess 451 in the filterassembly 12, which is appropriately dimensioned to enable the tiltingshown in FIG. 10 and insertion of the upper T-shaped fitting 350 in theslot 360 of upper manifold 214. Annular O-ring 28 seals about the ball450 as shown. The ball includes a passageway 465 that extends intomanifold 216 for fluid communication between the manifold and the filter12 when assembled. In the embodiment of FIGS. 10 d and 10 e, the ball450 is placed on the assembly 12 as in FIG. 8, and is received in arecess in the lower manifold 216. The recess 451 is appropriatelydimensioned to receive the ball 450, and the space between the upper andlower manifolds (which are preferably stationary) is such to enable thetilting shown in FIG. 10 d and insertion of the upper T-shaped fitting350 in the slot 360 of the upper manifold 214. The ball 450 is sealed inthe recess such as by an annular O-ring 28. A latch 375 can be used onupper (or lower) manifold 214 to secure the device in place. Forexample, with reference to FIGS. 10 b and 10 c, a spring 376 biasesagainst latch 375 in the uninstalled position of FIG. 10 c, and biasesthe fitting 350 against the latch 375 in the installed position of FIG.10 b. The free end of the latch 375 can be chamfered as shown, to assistthe T-shaped fitting 350 in entering the slot 360. By using the swivelfitting, both the upper and lower manifolds can be stationary. FIG. 10shows the filter 12 in a tilted (with respect to manifold 214) position,and FIG. 10 a shows the filter 12 in an engaged position in the manifold214.

FIGS. 11 and 11 a show a bottom fitting similar to that of FIGS. 10 and10 a, with stationary lower manifold 216. However, in this embodiment,the top fitting is connected to a movable manifold portion.Specifically, the upper manifold 314 includes a stationary portion 314 aand a movable portion 314 b. The stationary portion 314 a includes amale extension 320 having a fluid passageway therein. The movableportion 314 b includes a recess 330 that receives the male extension320, and a slot 460 that receives the upper coupling 350′ of the filterassembly 12. The upper coupling 350′ includes a recess 380 that receivesmale extension 320 when the movable portion 314 b is in itsmanifold-engaging position as shown in FIG. 11 a. An annular O-ringabout the extension 320 seals in the recess 380. Since in thisembodiment the upper manifold has a movable portion, it is not criticalthat a swivel fitting be used as the lower fitting; other suitablefittings such as that disclosed in the embodiment of FIG. 1 could beused such that the filter assembly is connected without the titlingoperation shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 12 shows a further embodiment, wherein the fittings on both the topand bottom are similar to the T-shaped design of FIG. 10. The filter 12slides into the two manifolds virtually simultaneously, and preferablyone or both of the upper and lower manifolds is movable in the axialdirection to account for variation in filter length amongst variousfilters and allow connection and engagement of the filter.

The embodiment of FIG. 13 shows a stationary upper manifold having amale extension 419, defining a passageway 421. The extension 419 isreceived by a correspondingly-shaped recess 480 in extension 460 offilter 12. Annular O-ring 28 creates a seal within the recess 480 whenthe extension 419 is engaged therein. The opposite end of filter 12includes an extension 440 that seals in recess 481 of the lower manifold416. Annular O-ring 28 seals in the recess 481 when the extension 440 isengaged therein.

1. A separation unit and manifold assembly, said separation unitcomprising a housing having at least one first fitting comprising aspherical portion and a stem extending therefrom, at least one secondfitting spaced a certain distance from said first fitting, andseparation means within said housing between said first and secondfittings; said manifold comprising a first portion having a fluid pathfor fluid communication with said filter through said at least one firstfitting, and a second portion having a fluid path for fluidcommunication with said filter through said at least one second fitting;said at least one first fitting having a portion of maximum diameterlocated on said spherical portion for sealing engagement with said firstportion of said manifold, and having a portion of reduced diameterrelative to said maximum diameter located on said stem; said firstportion of said manifold including a first recess for receiving said atleast one first fitting; said second portion of said manifold includinga second recess for receiving said second fitting, whereby the maximumdistance between said first and second recesses is greater than thecertain distance between said first and second fittings.
 2. Theseparation unit and manifold assembly of claim 1, wherein said first andsecond fittings have different configurations.
 3. The separation unitand manifold assembly of claim 1, wherein said separation meanscomprises a filter.
 4. The separation unit and manifold assembly ofclaim 1, wherein when said at least one first fitting of said separationunit is inserted into said first portion of said manifold, saidseparation unit has an orientation of an angle ⊖ elative to vertical,and wherein said maximum distance between said first and second recessesof said manifold is sufficient to allow said at least one second fittingof said separation unit to be insertable into said second recess byangling said separation unit relative to said angle ⊖.
 5. The separationunit and manifold assembly of claim 4, wherein ⊖ is zero.